Dual enshrine Israel’s history

By David Friedman

n May 14, 2023 (on the secular calendar), Israel celebrates the 75th anniversary of its independence. On that day in 1948, at approximately 4 p.m. local time, Israel’s prime minister, David Ben Gurion, declared Israel’s independence. About 11 minutes later, President Harry Truman recognized Israel as an independent state among the nations. In later years, President Truman lamented that it took him so long to issue America’s recognition.

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We celebrate a second anniversary on May 14. On that day in 2018, five years ago — also at 4 p.m. local time (not a coincidence) — I presided over the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, recognized a few months earlier by President Donald Trump as the eternal capital of the Jewish state. Another Five Towns resident, Rabbi Zalman Wolowik — who delivered the opening invocation — joined me at the opening ceremony.

Both May 14 events — in 1948 and in 2018 — are dates inscribed in history. The earlier date marks the beginning of the modern state of Israel, reflecting the actualization of 2,000 years of prayer and longing by countless generations of Jews for a return to their biblical homeland.

The later date marks the date that the first nation — the world’s most powerful nation at that — opened its embassy to Israel in the holy city of Jerusalem, the city whose stones beat with the ancient heart of the Jewish nation.

Moving the embassy to Jerusalem began the realization of Isaiah’s famous prophecy that peace will come when the nations of the world come to Jerusalem. Indeed, after the embassy was moved, the Abraham Accords were signed and five Muslim nations made peace with Israel.

At 75 years of age, we are now living in the longest period in which the Jewish people reigned over the entire undivided land of Israel from a capital in Jerusalem (King David and King Solomon together ruled for 73 years). We must accept upon ourselves the enormous challenge and incredible opportunity of doing all we can to ensure that the modern state of Israel lasts forever as a secure and prosperous light unto the nations.

With God’s help, our generation, and many more that will follow, will continue to draw comfort, joy and inspiration from our one and only Jewish State.

Friedman, a lifelong Five Towns resident, served as the U.S. ambassador to Israel from 2017 to 2021.